A Roberts Creek woman was a member of a very successful student design team earlier this year. In April, Kelsey Baker, along with five of her classmates, was part of the team Aquatech Solutions, which won the annual BC Water and Waste Association’s (BCWWA) Student Design Competition.
The team designed an alternative treatment process to lower the phosphorus content of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s waste water treatment plant’s discharge water to replace the current chemical-dependent system. Aquatech Solutions’ winning design involved using recycled materials from the Seymour-Capilano Water Treatment Plant, therein reducing waste and chemical usage in one fell swoop.
Because the team won the BCWWA competition, they now have the opportunity to compete at an international level. In September, the team will be heading to the Water and Environment Federation’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in New Orleans, where they will be the only Canadian team competing.
WEFTEC offers many new experiences for these students, as well as opens the door to many exciting connections and opportunities in the water industry. Currently the members of Aquatech Solutions are fundraising and seeking sponsorship for their trip. If you would like to help out, please contact Lisa Baker at 604-885-3373.
